Australian soccer
Analysis
Socceroos
A perilous path to the 2026 World Cup just got trickier for the Socceroos
Australia’s rollicking 2-2 draw with Bahrain was another surprise result in one of the most bonkers World Cup qualifying groups ever seen.
- by Vince Rugari
Latest
Analysis
FIFA World Cup
Calamitous defending and spurned chances: Socceroos player ratings against Bahrain
It was another head-scratching performance from Tony Popovic’s team as the Socceroos try to claw their way into the 2026 World Cup.
- by Paul Zalunardo
‘I thought I was friends with Nova’: Craig Foster on the spat that rocked the republican movement
The ex-Socceroo goes “all in” on the things he cares about, but it comes at a cost.
- by Ben Cubby
Whenever the Socceroos lose, one player bears the brunt of fans’ anger
The national team has struggled to replace Tim Cahill since his retirement in 2018. Unfortunately, Mitchell Duke has become a lightning rod for supporters’ frustration.
- by Vince Rugari
Defence against the dark arts: Socceroos brace for more Bahraini antics
Australia’s next opponents are arguably world leaders in time-wasting and gamesmanship – and defender Harry Souttar says the Socceroos can’t get sucked in like they did last time they met.
- by Vince Rugari
‘We owe them’: Socceroos out to settle score with team that dented World Cup ambitions
Jason Geria watched Australia’s disaster-class against Bahrain on television two months ago, thinking he’d never get a chance to play for them in the rematch.
- by Vince Rugari
‘I’ll return stronger’: World Cup hero Cortnee Vine to take a mental health break
Matildas star Cortnee Vine revealed she is taking time away from the sport to focus on her mental health, but she expects to return.
- by Roy Ward
Analysis
FIFA World Cup
‘We should have won it’: Socceroos rue wasted chances as World Cup hopes hang in balance
Thursday night’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia wasn’t great for the Socceroos. It also wasn’t a total disaster. But it was very nearly both of those things.
- by Vince Rugari
Popovic believes Socceroos can qualify for World Cup despite chaotic draw with Saudi Arabia
Tony Popovic’s side will rue their missed chances against Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.
- by Roy Ward and Vince Rugari
Updated
Socceroos
An old foe of the Matildas is back to derail the Socceroos’ World Cup hopes
Herve Renard, who coached France at last year’s Women’s World Cup, has returned to haunt Australia ahead of Thursday night’s crucial showdown with Saudi Arabia.
- by Vince Rugari
He’s won World Cups and Champions Leagues. But he can’t get a start in the A-League
The player agent who brought Juan Mata to the A-League has teed off at Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic for failing to build his team around the Spanish star.
- by Vince Rugari
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/australian-soccer-1nwx